Asks Quote by Peter Medawar
“Deductivism in mathematical literature and inductivism in scientific papers are simply the postures we choose to be seen in when the curtain goes up and the public sees us. The theatrical illusion is shattered if we ask what goes on behind the scenes. In real life discovery and justification are almost always different processes.”
About This Quote
Source Lecture: "Science and the Public", 1975
Scientists present theories theatrically, but discovery and justification are distinct, often hidden processes.
In simple terms: Science shows a performance.
Key Takeaway
Seek the behind‑the‑scenes work.
Themes
science
communication
philosophy
Mood
critical
inquisitive
Type
analytical
thought‑provoking
When to use this quote
- research presentations
- science journalism
- policy advising
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
ontology
methodology
Questions to Reflect On
- What assumptions do you make about scientific claims?
- How can you uncover the underlying evidence?
A Different Perspective
Public may conflate presentation with proof.
![“I had never done a Director's Cut narration on Beaches so I did in time for the release of the DVD. It was a great visit and I do a whole-behind-the-scenes thing and I tell stories about Bette [Mudler] and Barbara Hershey and everybody and that was fun. It made me cry again.” quote by Garry Marshall](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e30/garry-marshall-12551_barbara_i-had-never-done-a-director-s-cut-narrat_66832.jpg)
![“[A certain class of explanations in science are] analgesics that dull the ache of incomprehension without removing the cause.” quote by Peter Medawar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/fbb/peter-medawar-9996_ache_a-certain-class-of-explanations-in-scien_299816.jpg)
